The days of walking ten miles, without shoes, and uphill in the snow to get an education are gone. Today students have the opportunity to attend school via the Internet through online classes. The option of taking online classes to earn an education has become ideal for those who work or need a way to fit education to their schedule. More students are opting to take this virtual route because of the flexibility for the time and place of attending classes. As a virtual college student, I cleared up a scheduling conflict by adding an online class. I was able to enroll in both of the classes that I wanted and without a time conflict. Online classes are quickly becoming the educational trend of the century and you certainly should not miss this …show more content…
Traditionally, students traveled back and forth to class or lived on campus. Online classes save on transportation costs, especially in economic hard times. Taking an online class requires no gas, parking permit, or warming the car up in freezing temperatures. Furthermore, students can take online classes from anywhere they are offered. Many colleges and universities recognized transportation barriers and increased the availability of online classes. Students have the opportunity to take courses not offered at their own university or college. In addition, students can take online classes from universities located in another town or state without having to travel or move …show more content…
Traditional classes require attendance at a specific time and place, which can limit students to college or work. Since many students have to work to pay for college or household expenses, taking online classes open up schedules to work days or nights. The convenience of online classes frees up the schedule and allows students to work and go to college. Another convenience for taking online classes is being able to spend more time with family. Students with family obligations can balance family and college with the help of online classes. Parents wanting to go to college can take classes because online classes work around family obligations and a busy schedule. Whether it is school functions, soccer games, sick children, or family outings online classes accommodates the expected and unexpected family life. Online classes are convenient and practical for a student with limited time and a busy life. Online classes have many promising opportunities and as a virtual student, I took online college classes through concurrent enrollment in high school. It would have been impossible to attend college in the tradition manner because of being a full time high school student without a car. Online classes gave me the flexibility to earn college credit despite my rural location and limited time for a traditional classroom. Online classes appeal to students because
However, when a student takes an online class the student and professor are at a disadvantage of building an interpersonal relationship. For example, a professor is unable to read the nonverbal cues of a struggling student through a computer screen or is unable to tell if a student is experiencing a true emergency. Just as, a student is unable to read their professors nonverbal cues that a particular chapter or assignment is vital to passing the course. I have taken classes on campus and online classes for three semesters now and have learned that regardless of class format a student needs to be dedicated, structured, self-motivated and not afraid to ask questions. A disadvantage of taking an online class is if a web portal is not working properly.
Studies show that nontraditional students over the age of 30 are more likely to succeed in online classes than traditional students because they tend to be more engaged with their courses, have better time management and value exchanges with their peers and instructors (Dibiase & Kidwai, 2010). In a course study at a U.S. university it was found that traditional students logged into class less frequently than nontraditional students, contributed less in class discussions, asked routine rather than substantive questions, but scored equally on assignments (Dibiase & Kidwai, 2010). The study also showed that nontraditional students enrolled in courses they felt would advance their careers while many traditional students only enrolled in courses to fulfill degree requirements (Dibiase & Kidwai,
Most of the time, a student cannot learn at their own pace of the subject because the teacher has a schedule and other students so that student can easily fall behind or not feel as if they are learning. Also, if a student misses a class due to an illness or some other sort of reason they will get behind in classes, while with online class the student can still work while sick or the class will not move on without them. Some schools do not offer some classes that students wish to take. For example, some schools may not present a language class that the pupil wishes to take but online they have a better chance of being able to take that
Although these are reasons to go to school online, another reason would be that an individual dropped out of college; yet, wants another shot at it. Going to school online does not cost as much as sitting in a classroom. If it does not work out for them this time, a great amount of money will not have been wasted. Even better than school online not working out, not cost so much, the individual has another chance to do what they really wanted to do in life. Being able to achieve goals and complete school is
Primary characteristics, such as age, gender, and ethnicity, and secondary characteristics, such as occupation, income, and marital status, can have implications on a student’s persistence. Most online learners are married and work full-time, making time management crucial as they juggle between their family, work, and school responsibilities.
There are also many conveniences and benefits to taking an online class over a traditional, face-to-face class. Many students benefit logistically, financially, and from the course structure itself. Online classes provide the student with more opportunities to be successful in their coursework. Online courses can be completed based on the student's own schedule, provide for faster and less nervous interactions with instructors, and in many cases, are more educationally beneficial setting alternatives to traditional, face-to-face classes. In fact, Sixty-seven percent of academic professionals evaluated online courses as equivalent to as or better than face-to-face courses (Lytle).
Furthermore, some may suggest that online learning is benefiting our students in society. There has been a breakthrough in time and geographical limitations of education via online courses (Ho, 2009). Online education is cost-effective, efficient, and easily accessible (Schmeeckle, 2003). Online classes are used for individual and independent learning in which the student can learn at their own pace (Gonzalez, 2009). Not only is online education beneficial for breaking down barriers, online education has the potential to help students learn material more efficiently. Students are more likely to seek help from their instructors when the material is taught online (Whipp & Lorentz, 2009). Computer use in statistical classes could help decrease math anxiety (Gundy, Morton, Liu, & Kline, 2006). In a study that measured online students’ ability to achieve the same efficiency of course material as face-to-face students, at least 98% of students reported that they had, so one may be lead to believe that online learning is just as efficient as face-to-face courses (Liebowitz, 2003). With all of the positive aspects of online education, one may wonder why there is any debate as to whether or not online education is beneficial for
Today’s generation is like no other. The nation as a whole has completely evolved from past times, with technology being one of the greatest improvements. Traditionally, schooling takes place in a classroom setting, but, with the many modifications in our world’s system, we are able to assimilate more modern means of education, such as online learning. However, with many changes comes differences and requires adjustments. The online learning system has proven to be just as effective as traditional learning, with some minor differences, however, nothing of great significance. A few of those insignificant differences include online learning being convenient, especially for the non-traditional students,
...nditions. Students taking online classes might find it easier to attend family gatherings, traveling, and attended to personal needs. An online class allows the students to work on their own time, to whereas the traditional classes they have to stick with a schedule.
Li, C., & Irby, B. (2008). An Overview of Online Education: attractiveness, benefits, challenges, concerns, and recommendations. College Student Journal ,42(2), 449-458.
The following article is a study on the effectiveness of online courses and their effectiveness in both teacher-guided assistance and non-guided learning. The author stated the problem of online learning for students, as being the distractions of the internet itself; online shopping, gaming and social networking. While two advantages of online learning includes the convenience of studying at a place of choice and independent work, students are challenged in staying focused or being disciplined enough to continue or even complete their course of studies.
Those who disagree with me think that online learning allows a student to learn at their own pace. Students are able to take the time to understand and figure out problems with the resources that are provided. The convenience of learning in an environment that is conducive to that particular students learning is provided by the student. If the student feels comfortable they are more apt
There are many disadvantages of taking online courses as well. Some individuals may find it peculiar not to be able to communicate with their instructor as well as their classmates face-to-face. Since the course is online some people begin to procrastinate or get slack in their studies. Taking online course requires you to type all questions that you may need to ask your instructor or classmate. One would not have that interaction with their peers. Not being able to use the schools property.
Over the years it has been seen that education has taken up several forms. With the advent of technology, education has also been integrated with technology. Previously it was seen that education was achieved through written forms of paper with pen or pencil. The use of pen and pencil can be dated back to the Roman Empire. However, with the developing pace the traditional means of attaining education are changing. The introduction of information technology has brought forth a new way of learning through the internet. E-learning is the new form of education introduced by IT which helps people to attain knowledge through the use of their computers. A portal is introduced by the use of information technology which the students are able to access and to take tests. However, this new technology also brings with it other ethical issues of plagiarism and social contact. Online education is an inadequate alternative for traditional, classroom-based teaching for several reasons: there is no interactive communication between the student and the instructor, potential employers do not value online course work, class offerings are limited, instructor feedback to the student might be delayed for days, and group projects are nonexistent.
There are many advantages to online learning, it affects the way people can learn. According to “Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students”, “students have a greater willingness to write or work on computational skills”. “They say student like the immediate results of having online learning.” Another advantage is that students can learn at their own pace. With learning at their own pace they will be able to actually know the information well. If, they are in a regular classroom setting they may no...